Holiday Home License Dubai: How to Register in 2026

Obtaining a holiday home license Dubai is mandatory before listing your property on Airbnb or any short-term rental platform. Dubai regulates holiday homes through the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), ensuring compliance, safety, and guest standards.

If you’re planning to convert your apartment into a short-term rental in 2026, this guide explains the registration process, required documents, fees, and timelines step by step.

What Is a Holiday Home License in Dubai?

A holiday home license is an official permit issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) that allows property owners to legally operate short-term rentals.

Without this permit:

• Listings can be removed
• Fines may apply
• Legal penalties may increase

You can review official regulations directly on the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism website.

Who Can Apply for a Holiday Home License Dubai?

The following parties may apply:

1. Individual Property Owners

Owners of freehold residential property in Dubai.

2. Licensed Holiday Home Operators

Registered management companies handling multiple properties.

Many owners prefer working with a licensed holiday home management Dubai company to handle compliance and operations professionally.

Step-by-Step: How to Register a Holiday Home License Dubai

Step 1: Create an Account on the DET Portal

Register on the official holiday homes platform.

Step 2: Submit Property Documents

Required documents typically include:

• Title deed copy
• Passport / Emirates ID
• DEWA account details
• Unit details

Step 3: Pay Registration Fees

Fees vary depending on property size and classification.

Step 4: Property Inspection (If Required)

Authorities may inspect the unit to ensure:

• Fire safety measures
• Safety compliance
• Furnishing standards

Step 5: Receive Permit Number

Once approved, you receive a permit number that must be displayed on all listings.

Approval timeline:
Typically 3–7 working days (subject to documentation accuracy).

Holiday Home License Dubai Fees (2026 Estimate)

Fees depend on unit size and classification.

Typical cost structure includes:

• Initial registration fee
• Knowledge & innovation fee
• Tourism Dirham compliance
• Annual renewal fees

Owners should also budget for:

• Cleaning
• Utilities
• Maintenance
• Platform service fees

For ROI comparison, see:
👉 Short Term Rental ROI in Dubai: Real Numbers

Requirements to Maintain Your Holiday Home License

After registration, owners must:

• Maintain safety compliance
• Record guest identification
• Collect tourism fees
• Renew license annually
• Keep permit number visible on listings

Failure to comply may lead to penalties or suspension.

Can Tenants Apply for a Holiday Home License Dubai?

In most cases, tenants cannot register a holiday home without:

• Written landlord approval
• Updated tenancy agreement allowing subletting
• Full regulatory compliance

Unauthorized subletting may violate tenancy contracts.

Is It Better to Self-Register or Use a Licensed Operator?

While individual owners can apply directly, working with a licensed operator offers advantages:

• Compliance handled professionally
• Guest management
• Dynamic pricing
• 24/7 support
• Reduced regulatory risk

Professional management often increases occupancy and revenue.

For income projections by area, see:
👉 How Much Can You Earn from Airbnb in Dubai?

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying

• Incomplete documentation
• Incorrect unit classification
• Ignoring building-level rules
• Underestimating operating costs
• Delaying renewal deadlines

Proper planning ensures smooth approval and uninterrupted bookings.

Final Thoughts: Getting Your Holiday Home License Dubai

Dubai has created a structured, transparent framework for short-term rentals. When properly registered, Airbnb and holiday homes are fully legal and can generate strong returns.

However, success depends on:

• Proper licensing
• Accurate income forecasting
• Professional management
• Compliance monitoring

Before registering, evaluate your property’s earning potential.

Casa Elan operates as a licensed holiday home company in Dubai under an 80/20 revenue model — aligning our success with yours.